Risk Factors

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

Age – The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Approximately 90% of people with pancreatic cancer are 55 years of age and older.

Gender – Men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Race – Individuals of African American and of Ashkenazi-Jewish heritage are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than Caucasians. The reasons are not clear but are likely linked to genetics.

Chronic Pancreatitis – The incidence of pancreatic cancer is higher in people with chronic pancreatitis.

Diabetes – High blood sugar in long-standing diabetes can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Diabetes mellitus of long-standing (>2 years) duration roughly doubles an individual’s risk for pancreatic cancer, and the risk of pancreatic cancer is even higher in recent-onset (< 2 years) diabetes. Pancreatic cancer can also directly cause diabetes mellitus.

Environmental Factors – Occupational exposure to some chemicals, such as pesticides, dyes, or chemicals related to gasoline, may increase the risk for pancreatic cancer.

Family History and Inherited Genetic Syndromes – Pancreatic cancer may be inherited because it tends to run in families; 5 to 10% of pancreatic cancers result from hereditary factors. Hereditary pancreatic cancer syndromes include:

• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: caused by mutations in STK11 gene
• Familial pancreatitis: caused by mutations in the PRSS1 gene
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome: caused by mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
• Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome: caused by mutations in the CDK2NA gene
• Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: caused by mutations in the VHL gene
• Lynch syndrome: caused by defects in MLH1 or MSH2 genes
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1): caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene